Spicy Asian Glazed Salmon with Sambal Oelek

Moist, flaky salmon with a simple, spicy-sweet glaze starring Malaysian Sambal Oelek. Make in 10 minutes on a sheet pan! Asian Glazed Salmon is sure to become an easy weeknight dinner favorite.

A super simple salmon recipe that’s on the table in 15 minutes? With a spicy-sweet-tangy Asian glaze? And easy cleanup? Yes, please!

Asian Glazed Salmon

For many families, salmon is a popular weeknight meal option. Rich in omega-3 fats and readily available in most grocery stores — it’s such an easy and delicious way to put dinner on the table.

Asian Glazed Salmon is an especially easy, delicious, and exciting way to enjoy this healthy, good-for-you protein at home!

The spicy-sweet Asian glaze pairs well with the full, fatty richness of salmon. A little bit spicy, a little bit sweet — it’s got all fresh, tangy brightness from the rice vinegar, too

Simply brush on the glaze. Then broil on high heat. In 10 minutes, you’ll have moist, flaky, perfectly cooked salmon with a bright and punchy Asian glaze made from 4 ingredients! And cooked conveniently in a sheet pan!

asian glazed salmon and rice on dark plate with fork with rice and salmon in background

Ingredients:

  • Salmon. Farmed or wild salmon are both good options. Wild salmon is leaner and will cook faster. Choose Individual portions or one large filet to be served family-style. Adjust broil time accordingly!
  • Sambal Oelek. Malaysian/Indonesian fresh chile paste that’s spicy, smoky, and intensely flavorful. The garlic and chilies add so much good flavor!
  • Rice Vinegar. For that sharp, tangy kick of flavor! Can be subbed with white distilled vinegar.
  • Soy Sauce. For umami depth and richness.
  • Sugar. Adds sweetness. Can be subbed with maple syrup, honey, or agave.
bottle of sambal oelek

Instructions:

  1. Mix glaze in a small bowl.
  2. Brush glaze on salmon. (Make sure to brush the sides of the salmon, as well as the tops, several times.)
  3. BROIL on high heat (6-8 minutes) until the fish is cooked through and flakes away easiy.
  4. Serve with rice and steamed veggies. Enjoy!

PRO Tips:

  • Preheat the oven. A well pre-heated oven is the trick for a moist, flaky Asian salmon recipe that’s not overcooked. Turn the broiler on high then set a timer for 10 minutes and let the oven heat up!
  • Look for salmon with even thickness. That way, the salmon will be moist and perfectly cooked throughout.
  • Rotate salmon. About halfway through the cooking process, rotate the sheet pan so the salmon is evenly cooked.

Essential Kitchen Tools:

  • Sheet Pan. A large, rimmed sheet pan that’s thick and won’t buckle in high heat is your BFF for this recipe! I like Nordic Ware sheets pans (affiliate).
  • Silicone Brush. I recommend a silicone brush (affiliate) over a boar bristle brush, as it’s easier to clean and you won’t have to worry about loose hairs that fall out.
  • Parchment Paper. For easy cleanup. The glaze is quite messy and will stick to the sheet pan when broiled.
three asian glazed salmon fillets on black plate and grey napkin

Serve with:

The bright, punchy flavors of this Asian-inspired salmon pairs well with rice.

I like fluffy and fragrant Coconut Rice, made in the Instant Pot. But white rice, brown rice, or even Korean Purple Rice all taste great, too.

As for sides, keep it simple and serve with steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans, cabbage).

FAQ:

Can I reduce the spice?

Yes, absolutely! Simply halve the amount of Sambal Oelek.

Other easy 15-minute dinner recipes:

top down shot of plate of asian glazed salmon and rice with fork and rice in corner

Spicy Asian Glazed Salmon with Sambal Oelek

The Subversive Table
Moist, flaky salmon with a simple, spicy-sweet glaze starring Malaysian Sambal Oelek. Make in 10-minutes on a sheet pan! Asian Glazed Salmon is sure to become an easy weeknight dinner favorite.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 4
Calories

Equipment

  • sheet pan
  • Silicone Brush
  • parchment paper or silpat

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets

Glaze

  • 1 Tbsp sambal oelek
  • 1 Tbsp sugar (can be subbed with maple syrup, honey, agave, or brown sugar)
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Prep oven and sheet pan. Position oven rack 3-4 inches from the heat element. Preheat oven to BROIL for at least 10 minutes. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easier clean up.
  • Make glaze. In a small bowl, mix together glaze ingredients. Make sure the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  • Brush glaze. Arrange salmon the sheet pan. Brush glaze on the individual salmon fillets. Be generous with the glaze, making sure to brush the sides of the salmon as well as the tops, several times on each side.
  • Broil salmon. Transfer sheet pan to the oven and broil for 6-8 minutes, rotating the sheet pan midway through, until fish is cooked through. The glaze should be caramelized with little brown spots here and there. The fish should be moist and flake easily.
  • Serve and enjoy. Serve immediately with rice and steamed vegetables of your choice.

Notes

*The glaze can also be applied to a whole side of salmon instead of individual portions.  You may have to cook the salmon a bit longer.  Just check for doneness in the center of the salmon.  
Preheat the oven. A well pre-heated oven is the trick for a moist, flaky Asian salmon recipe that’s not overcooked. Turn the broiler on high then set a timer for 10 minutes and let the oven heat up!
Look for salmon with even thickness. That way, the salmon will be moist and perfectly cooked throughout.
Keyword Asian Glaze, Quick, Salmon, Sambal Oelek
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
15 minutes, All Recipes, Asian, Dinner with Friends, Main, Seafood, Sheet Pan, Weeknight Meals

2 Comments

  1. Pingback: Miso Glazed Salmon Skewers | The Subversive Table

  2. I made this tonight!! Turned out AMAZING and really easy to make!

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